Also sometimes called the Variable Screech-Owl, this Megascops is found in southeast Brazil, southeast Paraguay and extreme northeast Argentina. Its relationship with the Long-tufted Screech-Owl (Megascops sanctaecatarinae) still requires complete elucidation, but like the latter, the Black-capped Screech-Owl is known to occur in grey, brown, and rufous color morphs. The species’ primary song is a fast-paced trill, which commences very faintly, before increasing in volume but then ending abruptly, and lasting up to 20 seconds. It is a forest-based species, preferring areas with a dense understory, and it feeds primarily on insects. Despite being relatively abundant, virtually nothing is known concerning this species’ breeding behavior.